August 01, 2015

This past weekend I went to Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. I don't do roller coasters because I don't like throwing up and crying -- both of which would happen if I rode one. Because I don't ride the rides, I had time to look around and take photos. I was struck by how the park planners at Six Flags used art as design to set the mood.

So here are five photos that I think showcase how much art defines our environment:

There is nothing functional about the flames on top of that ride. They're purely an artful addition. And, of course, look how both the sign and the statue set a mood for what to expect.

This elephant bowl container thing was right outside an animal preserve area. It definitely sets the mood.

Can a lake be art? I don't know, but it can definitely be design. It's non-functional and clearly man-made, so why bother? Because it allows you to see the beauty of that wooden roller coaster. None of the metal coasters had this kind of landscaping -- or such a clear view of the entire structure. The metal rides are lovely in their own way, but a wooden roller coaster really is a gorgeous thing, isn't it? The lake makes that very busy and cluttered structure look clean and airy.

Both of these monumental structures -- the skull and the lion -- are meant to transport you to another place. And they do! Without even thinking about it, you take in the signals: old or ancient feeling, primitive, from another place, etc. These images set the tone.

I hope you're looking at art wherever you may be! It really is all around us! Just keep your eyes open!

...where I doodled and read. (I'm half way through Americanah and I'm really enjoying it!) I also got a sunburn despite wearing and reapplying SPF30 multiple times. Alas, that's what happens when you take a city girl out into the sun.

While I read and burned, the rest of the family played tons and tons of volleyball:

I went for long walks and saw pretty things.

I've always had a fascination with the beauty of nature taking over a structure. It's hard to believe those pink flowers are weeds. They're just so pretty!

And, of course, there were glorious sunsets!

Nature really is an inspiring artist, isn't she?

Hope you're getting in some beach time this Summer. I highly recommend the Cape for a leisurely low key getaway filled with yummy seafood! Provincetown (where we were) is filled with artists and galleries and surprisingly tasty bagels. Two thumbs up!

June 27, 2015

I spent three days in New Jersey this week at Brother Headquarters for some meetings and making-stuff-time. I thought I'd share five photos from the trip (and I'm cheating a bit because the first two are more than one photo stuck together, but you'll forgive me, won't you?).

We made stuff...

Shrink plastic that got stuck together during the shrinking on the left (but still cool) and painted deli paper (yes, the ScanNCut will cut painted deli paper) on the right.

We ate and drank stuff...

Tiny (and delicious) desserts up top (must take a photo for Project Life) and fancy coffee drinks on the bottom. I've never really worked in a corporate office so I get super excited by simple things like a fancy coffee machine! It was pretty cool!

We got some gorgeous sunsets...

We acted super silly (well, I did -- It's one of my special talents)....

June 20, 2015

The official start of Summer isn't for a week or two, but it sure does feel like Summer around here. I've got the A/C cranked and I'm seeing all the signs...

Every other block is under construction. I don't know about how it is where you live, but NYC turns into one giant construction zone in the Summer.

Flip flops are the only shoes I reach for, which means it's pedicure season! I'm sure there are people who get pedicures year round. I'm pretty much a Summer only kind of girl.

I'm seeking shade. In the blustery Winter months I'm always going for sunshine. Right now that sounds really hot and uncomfortable. Shade is my friend in the Summer. Thank goodness NYC has lots of trees and shade!

Summer and water kind of go together don't they? It's always windier down by the water (hello, hair), but you crave that breeze in the Summer. In the Winter it's a misery.

All I want is fresh food! I've noticed my kitchen habits change as the weather warms. I recently bought a Zoodle Slicer and I can tell that zucchini is going to be the food of the season for me! Everything that looks like pasta on that plate is actually zucchini "noodles" created with my Zoodle Slicer! Perfect for low-carb, gluten-free, Paleo, or someone like me, counting Points on Weight Watchers! Yum!

June 06, 2015

I often get e-mails asking for restaurant recommendations in NYC. I have a list on my FAQ page. But, I thought I'd share five good ones I've eaten at in the last few weeks.

Restaurant: BalthazarCuisine: French BistroLocation: SohoMy Thoughts: Best french fries, excellent bread and butter, everything is tasty, don't skip dessert, make a reservation.

Restaurant: Don's BogamCuisine: KoreanLocation: Korea TownMy Thoughts: Go for the Korean BBQ and cook your meal right at your table, the bulgogi with cellophane noodles is super delish, best Korean pancake in town, bring lots of friends and share everything.

Restaurant: Cafe 2 at MoMACuisine: Italian-ishLocation: MidtownMy Thoughts: Communal seating, tasty fresh food with an Italian slant, go for the pasta, free refills on ice tea, the line looks long but it moves fast.

Restaurant: OotoyaCuisine: JapaneseLocation: two locations: Midtown and ChelseaMy Thoughts: Big menu, make a reservation, tofu salad is excellent, my favorite dish is the Rosu Katsu Ju -- I could eat it every day!

Restaurant: Stella 34 TrattoriaCuisine: ItalianLocation: Herald Square, literally inside of Macy'sMy Thoughts: Great views, good service, you can easily make a meal of appetizers, octopus is super fab, if you like spicy go for the Creste de Gallo -- so delicious!

I love food and I love eating out. New York is a food lovers dream. So many restaurants to try! I don't think I could pick a favorite. How about you?

Thanks for stopping by!

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P.S. The winner of the Sakura Prize Pack is...

Congratulations, Margie! E-mail me and I'll send you the instructions on how to claim your prize from Sakura!